Aberlour 1990Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%8On this occasion the vintage bottling had the most typical Aberlour character, especially in its spiciness. I also enjoyed its liveliness and complexity. The best Aberlour on the day.

Celtique Connexion Cadillac Wood Finish 1990Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%8A whispering dram. Nothing wrong with that. You've just got to tune in to its delicacy. The character is full and complex. Dangerously enticing especially with a dash of water.

Dewar Rattray Longmorn 1990 14 Years OldSingle Malt - Scotland - 55.30%7I loved the aroma. After that the stern, impenetrable palate was frustrating but in keeping with the mood. A good, old-fashioned Speysider.

Knockando 1990Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%6Too mild to hold its own against the wood.

Lombard Mortlach 1990Single Malt - Scotland - 50.00%6Extraordinarily pale colour. The floweriness was perhaps a hint at Mortlach but, if I were served this out of context, would I recognise it as whisky? I might guess at aquavit rather than usquebaugh.

Private Collection Imperial 1990 Calvados FinishSingle Malt - Scotland - 40.00%6As with the Caol Ila wood finishes reviewed in the last issue, the calvados is a powerful influence but the whisky does fight back-makes for an interesting combination.

Private Collection Imperial 1990 Claret FinishSingle Malt - Scotland - 40.00%8The wine seems to have made common cause with the juicy sweetness, and the two have overwhelmed the cereal-grain and peat smoke that usually make this a more robust malt. This version would be a good ...